Masaya, known as the “City of Flowers” and the cradle of Nicaraguan folklore, is a must-see destination if you want to immerse yourself in Nicaragua’s cultural and natural wealth. Located just 20 km from the capital, this city offers a unique blend of traditions, history and stunning scenery. If you’re wondering what things to do in Masaya, here’s a complete guide to make sure you don’t miss a thing on your visit.

What are the best places to see in Masaya?

1. Masaya Volcano National Park

The Masaya Volcano National Park is one of the most emblematic and visited destinations in Nicaragua, famous for being home to the Masaya volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the country. This park offers a unique natural spectacle and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Pacific, giving visitors the opportunity to have direct contact with the volcanic activity, as well as with the flora and fauna of the region.

Santiago Crater

The main crater, known as Santiago, is one of the park’s main attractions. Here you can observe the volcanic activity up close and, at night, the glow of the magma creates a magical and unique experience. This natural phenomenon is truly impressive and attracts numbers of visitors looking to experience this adventure first hand.

Trails and Viewpoints

The park has several trails that lead to different viewpoints, offering unique panoramic views of the crater and its surroundings. The “El Comalito” trail is especially popular for its breathtaking views, allowing visitors to enjoy the volcanic landscape from various angles. These trails are ideal for hikers and nature lovers, providing an enriching and visually stunning experience.

Museum and Visitor Centre

The park’s museum and visitor centre is a place to learn about the geology, flora and fauna of Masaya Volcano National Park, as well as the volcanic history of the region. Here you will find informative and educational exhibits that will allow you to better understand the dynamics of the volcano and its impact on the natural environment. It is an invaluable resource if you want to deepen your knowledge of this natural phenomenon and the rich biodiversity that surrounds it.

Entrance fee: Entrance to the Masaya Volcano National Park costs approximately €5 for foreign tourists, offering a unique and educational experience in one of Nicaragua’s most impressive natural settings.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Masaya Handicrafts Market

The Masaya Handicrafts Market is a must-visit destination if you want to immerse yourself in the rich local culture and take home an authentic souvenir of your trip. This market, located in the heart of the city, is a hive of creativity and tradition, where local artisans display and sell their handmade products. It is a vibrant and colourful place that reflects the essence of Masaya and its cultural heritage.

Craft Products

The market offers a wide variety of craft products that stand out for their quality and authenticity. Each piece of handicraft you find in the market is a testimony to the rich tradition of Masaya’s craftsmanship, passing from generation to generation and preserving unique techniques and styles.

Cultural Performances

The Masaya Handicrafts Market is not only a place to shop, but also to experience the vibrant local culture. Frequently, the market becomes a stage for folkloric music and dance performances showcasing Masaya’s cultural heritage. During these performances, you can see traditional dances such as the “Toro Huaco” and listen to marimba music, which is an essential part of local celebrations.

These cultural events allow you to not only see, but also feel the passion and talent of the local artists. It is an opportunity to learn about the stories and legends that are part of Masaya’s identity.

Local Gastronomy

Besides the crafts and entertainment, the market is also the place to sample the local cuisine. You’ll find food stalls offering traditional dishes such as vigorón, nacatamales and rosquillas, as well as fresh tropical fruits and local drinks such as pinolillo. We can’t think of a better way to complete your market experience.

Tips

• Bargain: although prices are usually fair, it is common and acceptable to haggle. Sellers are used to this practice and it can be a fun part of the shopping experience.
• Cash: most stalls do not accept credit cards, so we recommend carrying enough cash for your purchases.
• Opening hours and days: the market is open every day, but weekends tend to be more lively with more cultural activities.

Price of entry: entry to the Masaya Handicrafts Market is free, making it an accessible destination for everyone. However, we recommend that you bring cash to enjoy your shopping.

3. Apoyo Lagoon

A few kilometres from Masaya is the Apoyo Lagoon, a volcanic crater filled with crystal clear water and surrounded by vegetation. This impressive body of water, formed thousands of years ago after a volcanic eruption, is one of the most beautiful and peaceful natural destinations in Nicaragua. The lagoon offers not only a serene setting for relaxation, but also a variety of activities for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts.

Water Activities

The Laguna de Apoyo is ideal for a variety of water activities, thanks to its warm and clean waters:

• Swimming: its crystal clear, warm waters are perfect for swimming. The absence of strong currents makes it a safe and pleasant place to enjoy a dip.
• Kayaking: exploring the lagoon by kayak is a relaxing and rewarding experience. You can rent kayaks at various points around the lagoon and paddle leisurely while enjoying the scenery.
• Paddleboarding: this activity has become very popular in the lagoon. The calm waters provide ideal conditions for beginners and experienced paddleboarders alike.
• Scuba Diving: although less common, scuba diving is possible in the Laguna de Apoyo, offering a unique perspective of the volcanic crater underwater.

Hiking and Wildlife Observation

In addition to water activities, the Laguna de Apoyo offers opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing:

• Nature trails: around the lagoon, there are several nature trails that take you through tropical vegetation. These trails are ideal for hiking and exploring the local flora and fauna.
• Bird watching: the lagoon and its surroundings are home to a wide variety of birds. From toucans to parrots, birdwatchers will find many interesting species to observe.
• Wildlife: as well as birds, you may encounter monkeys, iguanas and other wildlife in their natural habitat as you walk the trails.

Viewpoints

There are several viewpoints around the Laguna de Apoyo from where you can get stunning views of the lagoon and its surroundings. We recommend the mirador de Catarina. This is the most famous viewpoint and offers spectacular panoramic views of the lagoon. It is a perfect place to take pictures and enjoy the natural beauty of the crater.

Facilities and Services

The area around the Laguna de Apoyo is equipped with various facilities and services to make your visit more comfortable:

• Restaurants and cafes: There are several restaurants and cafes around the lagoon where you can enjoy local food and drinks. Many of these establishments offer views of the lagoon while you eat.
• Recreation centres and lodging: You’ll find a range of accommodation options, from rustic cabins to more luxurious ecolodges. Some resorts also offer swimming pools, relaxation areas and organised activities.

Entrance fee: Access to the lagoon is free, but some private areas may charge an entrance fee of around €3-5 per person.

4. Church of the Assumption

The Church of the Assumption is one of the oldest and most emblematic buildings in Masaya. This colonial church stands out for its architecture and historical importance.

Built in the 18th century, the church features colonial architecture with baroque details and a highly decorated façade.

The interior of the church houses works of sacred art and an atmosphere of tranquillity that invites reflection.

Price of admission: Entrance to the church is free of charge, although donations for the upkeep of the building are appreciated.

5. Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve

A short distance from Masaya, the Mombacho Volcano offers a unique experience thanks to its rainforest and biodiversity. This nature reserve is a haven for wildlife and a perfect destination for nature and adventure lovers.

Hiking

The trails in the Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve will take you through breathtaking scenery, offering spectacular views and the opportunity to observe a wide variety of flora and fauna. Popular hiking trails include:

• Cráter Trail: a moderate trail that circles the main crater, providing panoramic views of Lake Nicaragua and the city of Granada.
• El Puma Trail: a more challenging trail through the rainforest, offering the chance to see orchids, bromeliads and, if you’re lucky, some exotic animals.

Coffee Tour

The region around Mombacho is known for its coffee plantations. Coffee tours are a way to learn more about the local agriculture and the production process of Nicaraguan coffee. During the tour, you will learn about:

• About coffee growing: how coffee is grown on the slopes of the volcano, taking advantage of the rich volcanic soil.
• About the production process: from harvesting the coffee cherries to processing and roasting.
• You will have a coffee tasting: at the end of the tour, you can enjoy a fresh coffee tasting, appreciating the unique flavours and aromas of the region.

Price of the ticket

The entrance fee to the Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve is approximately 10 euros for foreign tourists. This price includes access to the trails and observation areas, guaranteeing a complete experience in one of Nicaragua’s most spectacular natural environments.

6. Masaya Central Park

Masaya’s Central Park is the heart of the city and a perfect place to relax and observe daily life.

This park is a meeting point for locals and tourists. Here you can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, with street vendors, musicians and street artists.

Around the park are several historic buildings, including the PMunicipal Palace and the Casa de Cultura, which are testament to Masaya’s rich history.

Entry fee: Entrance to the park is free of charge.

Typical gastronomy of Masaya

Masaya is known for its rich and varied gastronomy. Here are some of the typical dishes that you must try

1. Vigorón: Vigorón is one of the most popular dishes in Masaya. It is served in a banana leaf and consists of cooked cassava, chicharron (fried pork skin) and cabbage salad with tomato and vinegar. It is a fresh dish ideal for sampling at the local market.

2. Nacatamal: nacatamal is a large tamale made of corn dough and filled with pork, rice, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and onions, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. It is a traditional dish eaten especially on weekends and during festivities.

3. Rosquillas: Rosquillas are a kind of biscuit made from corn and cheese, which is baked until crispy.

4. Indio viejo: the indio viejo is a stew of shredded beef with corn, garlic, onion, tomato, achiote, and yerba buena. It is a very nutritious dish with an intense flavour.

5. Güirilas: Güirilas are thick tortillas made of tender corn, which are cooked in banana leaves. Their sweet taste and soft texture make them a perfect accompaniment to cheese or cuajada.

Frequently asked questions about your visit to Masaya